LEWISTON – Valerie Saunders, 72, a lifelong resident of Hebron, died Friday, April 1, at d’Youville Pavilion, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Lewiston on June 17, 1932, she was the fourth of nine children born to Oliver and Marieanne (Lachappelle) Hamel. She graduated from Buckfield High School.

She married Thorald Saunders, also of Hebron, and together they raised three children, Aleta, Bonnie and Bradley. She cared for her husband through a lengthy illness until he succumbed in 1973. She earned certification as a medication technician, and worked at d’Youville Pavillion for more than 20 years following his death.

She was an active member of Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Mechanic Falls for many years, and was an ardent supporter of St. Dominic Regional High School and the former Sacred Heart School. She was a tireless worker at every endeavor, and was always ready to reach out to anyone in need of help.

She leaves a legacy of courage and determination for all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters, Aleta and her husband, Roger Rioux, of Hebron, Bonnie and her husband, Rodney Stone, of Minot; son, Bradley and his wife, Terri Saunders, of Hebron; grandchildren, Roger and his wife, Lisa Rioux, Melissa Rioux, Aaron and Michelle Stone, Audrey, Caleb and Isaac LaFrance, Angela and Justin LaFrance, Lael Saunders; great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Abraham, Carly and Lauren; sisters, Irene Beaucage, Georgette and her husband, Charles Monteith, Gloria and her husband, Gerald Michaud, Jane and her husband, Bill Campbell, Anne and her husband, David Lowell; brothers, Roland Hamel, Robert and his wife, Joyce Hamel; brother-in-law, Robert Sprague; sister-in-law, Kay Saunders; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister, Theresa Sprague; her parents; and her husband, Thorald.

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